July 30, 2024

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Tori Christensen, marketing manager for LifeScape.

Name: Tori Christensen

Age: 29

Hometown: Spencer, Iowa

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

After completing my undergraduate degree in Sioux City, Iowa, at Morningside College — now Morningside University — I hadn’t seen much outside of northwest Iowa, so I moved around a few different states before realizing the Midwest is where I wanted to be. I applied for a job in Sioux Falls in spring of 2017 and have lived here ever since.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

I love how active this community is and how there is always something to do!

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

It’s hard to pinpoint just one favorite thing about my job because the people we support at LifeScape are awesome, but I would have to say I love that I got to build and am continuously working on our two websites we have. LifeScapeJourneyofHope.org and our brand-new LifeScapeSD.org have become such big passion projects for me because I get to use new and evolving technology to promote our brand and mission.

How did you get connected to your industry?

I took a couple computer programming classes in high school and enjoyed the creativity it allowed me to have, and I always loved putting my creative skills to the test. When I decided to go to college for business, I didn’t know what avenues it would open for me, but I was guided to try out a few marketing and graphic design classes to see what I thought, and I came to realize that was the path for me.

Describe your workplace in three words.

Collaborative, inspirational, connections.

What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you? 

I have always been big into fitness and athletics. Playing volleyball in college, I knew my athletic career wouldn’t be over when I graduated, and I now compete in bodybuilding competitions. I’ve taken the last couple of years off from shows, but this fall I will be stepping back on stage!

What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?

Shopping local has always been top of mind when looking to try something new or going back to somewhere I enjoy. While it has always been a dream to have large amounts of money to donate to great causes, I do what I can now by going to local shops and restaurants as much as I can. I am also an active member of LifeScape’s cultural leadership team and the lead of the communications subcommittee, which promotes positive culture and inclusivity throughout the organization.

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

I love all things breakfast, so I’m torn between Snooze A.M. Eatery and Dunkin Donut.

If you had $1 million to start a business, what kind of business would it be?

If I had $1 million, I would open my dream gym. Half-indoor and half-outdoor, but the outdoor area would be covered during the winter months and rain so it wouldn’t become obsolete for half the year. The gym would include grab-and-go, macro-friendly meals, and the best part: Dogs are welcome.